Reading Friends is a UK-wide programme delivered by The Reading Agency working in partnership with local organisations. In Wales, Reading Friends is supported by Literature Wales and there are currently two projects: one in Conwy and the other in Swansea.

In Swansea the project is being led by Swansea Bay Health Board in partnership with Discovery (the student volunteering organisation based at Swansea University) and Swansea Bay Health Board library service.

Last winter fifteen students from Swansea University read to patients each week on two wards. The project is also becoming part of the ward volunteer role and staff are being encouraged to volunteer too. So, for example, a member of staff in finance has run a reading group in her lunch break on one of the day units for elderly mental health.

The aim of the project is to create social connections especially for older and more isolated people. Volunteers will receive induction training and will then be introduced to patients one of our hospitals who would like someone to read aloud and chat with them.

In the picture above Megan Frost, the volunteer student coordinator for the project, is introducing the project to new students at a volunteer recruitment day.


For more information please get in touch with Prue Thimbleby at the email below